Senior lands dream role as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz

Just like Dorothy Gale, Grace Condello knows what it’s like to feel she’s not in Kansas anymore.

In the first non-ensemble role in her theater career, Senior Grace Condello will be donning the ruby slippers as Dorothy Gale in the musical, The Wizard Of Oz.

Condello is really excited to be able to play Dorothy. “It is my dream role,” Condello said. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was Condello’s first solo. Because of this, the song holds a special place in her heart. Since it has a special place in her heart, “I think this is a great way to close up my choir and theater career,” Condello said.

Not only does she get to sing on stage, but she also gets to act with a dog. “This role is a combination of my two favorite things.” Toto is being played by Mr. Joshua Rist, McNary’s Choir teacher’s dog, Johann. Johann is a Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle Mix. According to Mr. Rist, “he’s already captured the hearts of our cast, and we know he will light up the stage with Grace.”

According to Condello, Dorothy is a super excited character that is ready to have this new experience.

“She is feisty and energetic, but also bratty and whiny.” At the beginning of the play you can tell that she doesn’t like Kansas, but by the end of the play “she realizes that she actually likes her home.”

She is also not afraid to fight for what she wants. Overall, “she is a good person that will say dumb things sometimes,” Condello said.

When Condello found out that she was going to be playing Dorothy she was speechless. “I never expected that I would be the lead in the play. I totally almost cried,” Condello said.

The casting decisions were made by Mr. Rist, music director for the musical, and Zoe Banton, the choreographer for the musical. All of the casting was approved by Mr. Tom Cavanaugh, director of the musical and McNary’s theater teacher.

According to Mr. Rist, Condello was picked to play Dorothy for multiple reasons. “Her audition was very strong, and demonstrated the strength and musicality of her voice, as well as her acting charisma and range.” She has also taken part of other plays her at McNary leading up to this role. “Besides being a competent actress, singer, and dancer, Grace is a kind, caring person who we know we can depend on completely,” Rist said.

Condello said that she is really excited for the play, but it is also nerve racking. According to Rist, “Grace is so endearing, so well-prepared, and she is making the most of her opportunity to play as Dorothy. We are really proud of our whole cast and we think they are going to put on a wonderful show.”